Total pages in book: 159
Estimated words: 149301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 747(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 149301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 747(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
He now was a number one target. The townsfolk complained about his ferociousness—said there was a huge gray wolf in the wilderness that needed to be shot and killed. But Stone was too fast. Too cunning. Somehow, some way, Stone always got away. He noticed this, too.
Not too long after these close calls, the townsfolk complained about other things as well. Like their dwindling crops, and lost vegetation. That got Stone to thinking. He suddenly remembered something from when he was a little pup in a different forest, so long ago! An Indian had told his family to protect the wolves, for they help the river, the vegetation, and the land. Stone figured, if he could show the hunters and settlers that he was beneficial to them, they would stop hunting the wolves. Maybe they would see his good deeds and how these helped them, and they would thank him, and leave him in peace.
So, during the day, and late that night, Stone came out of hiding and hunted the elk near the river. He’d get his kill and take it back to his hidden den, under brush and fallen trees. But before he’d go, he’d head to the river to take a sip of water. It was so cool and delicious at night, but now when he’d see his reflection in the river, he couldn’t bear to look at himself. All he saw looking back at him was a lonely, angry monster. So, he started closin’ his eyes when he’d drink, since he couldn’t stand the sight of himself.
He did this day after day, night after night, month after month until a whole year had gone by. The townsfolk began to notice something over time: more elk were gone, but instead of it being a problem, it was a blessing! They realized that the elk had been the ones eating all of the vegetation, tearing into their crops, and messing up the river. There were too many elks since all of the wolves were gone. It was just one of those things that happens in nature. Too much of anything is disruptive, ya see?
Stone’s secret rendezvous to the forbidden places helped the vegetables grow back. Not as many elks were now sneaking into the farms and eating the crops, and it positively impacted the ecosystem, especially the river. The river where he used to play with his pups, and lie around with his mate under the warm sun, enjoying a cool drink.
Flowers, important herbs and whatnot started flourishing, too, especially along the riverbank. This slowed down the erosion because there were fewer elk trampling around the riverside, which in turn stabilized the soil. This created new plants for the townsfolk, things they could take and use for medicines and foods, and even trade and sell at the market. Stone saw that the people seemed happy, and so he was certain now, that they would be appreciative, and leave him in peace to live out the rest of his days.
However, that wasn’t what happened at all. In fact, with the additional money that the settlers received, they bought more guns and more bullets to hunt foxes, moose, deer, and yes, wolves. No one seemed to realize though that Stone was the reason this blessing came to pass. His gift was taken, but not actually received! He was being hunted, again and again. Each time though, he never got shot. He stayed away from the river for a few days, until he was so parched, he had to go. He decided to go in the dead of the night, just to be safe—he hunted, and got him an elk. After the meal, he went down to the river for a cool drink. Just as he was finishing up, he heard the click of a gun.
A hunter had been desperate to kill ol’ Stone, purely for braggin’ rights. This one was purportedly the best hunter in the entire village. Stone figured this had to be his last night alive. There was no way that the best hunter of the settlers would miss him. He decided to give up. To stay uncaring, even about himself. He didn’t try to run, or duck. He looked the hunter squarely in the eye.
Then the man aimed his gun, cocked it, and shot! Stone was surprised when he didn’t feel pain, or the trickle of blood running from his head or chest.
The hunter shot again. But once more, he felt nothing. At this, he was even more surprised. The gun rang out for a third time! But the strangest thing happened. That bullet didn’t hit him, either. It struck a tree in back of him. The man looked downright confused! Over and over that hunter aimed right at him, but the bullets hit trees behind him, or nowhere nearby at all.